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“Rencor y Amor,” properly lends credence to the magic that is Edwing D’Angelo’s Love Eclipse line for men. To see how the editorial unfolds, and for a message from the photographer himself, turn the page.

Special thanks go to Cathy Taub and Lowell Freiberg for lending us their amazing condominium overlooking New York City’s hallowed and famed Central Park.

STATEMENT FROM THE ARTIST REGARDING HIS "RENCOR Y AMOR" EDITORIAL FOR ETHANSAYS.COM

Ricardo MuñizPhotographer/Body Artist/Puppeteer/Activist

The main idea behind the creation of Coquíchulo Images was one of artistic support of my own Latino community. I was a social worker and teacher working with young people with severe problems (emotional, academic, social, and psychological) for over 15 years. Before I decided to pursue my artistic endeavors—photography, puppetry, and body art—I devoted myself and my work to help foster creativity and success within communities of color.

Although I’m a full-time artist, I have never left my community behind. I’m still a teacher and social worker at heart. Many of my exhibits, editorials, performances, shows and events include former students and community members either as models, participants, workers or contributors. I give much credence to the saying, “Each one, teach one.”

Unfortunately, it is exceedingly difficult for Latino models or other models of color to make it in the industry, but I’m hoping with continued support, we can change this. I let young people know that they have to work ten times as hard just to get to the door. With the numbers of Latinos on the rise here in the US and the industry finally recognizing our buying power, hopefully, we can start portraying more varied roles and, finally, earning something commensurate with our efforts.

I love my work. I still work with young people in many capacities, but I’m able now to help young Latinos realize their artistic visions. Recently, my art photography has drawn me more into fashion and I’ve begun mentoring aspiring Latino models and reaching out to designers, stylists, makeup artists and other artists of color in hopes of getting our voices heard and our visions realized.

I’m known as an art photographer who uses whatever resources are available and on-hand at the location: no special lighting, filters, studios, gimmicks or Photoshop tricks. I want the viewer to see exactly what we, the participants, see—simple beauty.